Dirt, grime, residue, and particulate matter—whatever you call it, this contamination can severely damage machinery. In fact, over 90% of hydraulic system failures are linked to contamination.
To combat this issue, the Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida system has been introduced, allowing users to insert a pneumatic launcher into the hydraulic system to propel a small projectile through the tubing. This innovative method was highlighted in a recent survey, which revealed that contractors face higher costs due to contaminated hydraulic systems than any other maintenance problem. Alarmingly, even machines equipped with advanced, high-flow systems can experience issues caused by dirt that would fit in a bottle cap.
A Proactive Approach
Implementing a robust Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida fluid-analysis program is essential for preventing contamination-related issues. Regularly changing fluids and filters is also crucial. Unfortunately, even the best preventive maintenance plans and meticulous fluid-handling practices can fail, resulting in significant downtime when a hydraulic system component breaks down. Repairing such failures involves draining, disassembling, flushing, and extensive downtime.
Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida has developed a system, which effectively eliminates contamination by utilizing a pneumatic launcher that shoots a projectile through hoses and tubes. As the projectile moves, it strips away internal contaminants, pushing them ahead of it and ensuring that the oil remains clean as it reaches vital components, ultimately extending the lifespan of the system and filters.
Traditional methods of flushing hydraulic lines with solvents and air can be tedious and sometimes ineffective, but the Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida System simplifies the decontamination process. It avoids the need to handle and dispose of harsh chemicals—users simply disconnect both ends of a line or hose and launch the projectile through.
Reducing Downtime with Data Trending
Contamination in a hydraulic system can be costly, as dirt can wear down internal parts like sandpaper. Implementing a proactive contamination control strategy and data trending can help prevent significant damage.
Contamination typically appears in the form of dirt, wear metals, water, or a mix of different fluid types and viscosities. A well-implemented fluid analysis program can help detect these issues early on. Tracking fluid samples over time is critical for understanding the internal changes within a machine.
We emphasize that trending requires time and investment; establishing a reliable data bank on a machine can incur costs of up to $150 per year. However, this investment is worthwhile, as it helps avoid major repairs that could exceed ten years’ worth of fluid analysis expenses.
In some applications, contamination may be unavoidable. In such cases, improving the cooling system, reducing filter change intervals, or using filter carts can help eliminate particulates and moisture. Reducing environmental factors contributing to contamination can improve reliability and cost-effectiveness.
Proper storage and handling of Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida fluids are also crucial. Fluids should be kept in a protected area with a consistent temperature, and storage containers should be sealed and shielded from moisture. Cleaning the exterior of fluid service containers before use is vital, as dirt can easily enter the system. Using a transfer pump with an integrated filter when filling or topping off oil is highly recommended. According to Daly, “Fifty-five to 80% of failures can be attributed to fluid contamination.” Hence, it is essential to monitor contamination levels actively. Tools like hose cleaning systems, along with trending and fluid analysis, can enhance machine longevity and reliability by preventing contamination or quickly purging it when it does occur.
Like any machinery, hydraulic pumps require regular servicing to operate efficiently and extend their lifespan. A key part of this maintenance involves draining and cleaning the hydraulic pump’s reservoir.
If you’re unsure about the proper procedures or have been delaying this task, this article provides a step-by-step guide to draining and cleaning your hydraulic pump’s reservoir.
Drain the System
Begin by emptying the liquid from the reservoir, pipes, valves, accumulators, filter housings, and any other areas where fluid may have accumulated.
Clean the Reservoir
Start by using a clean, dry lint-free cloth to remove any dust or dirt from the exterior of the reservoir. Next, take a clean rag to wipe the inside, focusing on areas where paint, sludge, or deposits have softened or loosened. Inspect the internal cavities of the reservoir, removing any pitting or buildup of sludge.
Flush With Specialized Fluid
Fill the tank with a flushing fluid that has a viscosity similar to or lower than the operating fluid of the machine. Stroke the valves repeatedly to help move the cleansing fluid through the system effectively.
After the flushing fluid has circulated through the system, drain it quickly to prevent contamination from backing up, ideally while the fluid is still warm. Once drained, check the reservoir for debris and sanitize it if necessary.
Bleed the Pump
Fill the system with hydraulic fluid until it reaches about 75% capacity. Operate the pump for 15 seconds, then deactivate it for 45 seconds, repeating this cycle three times. Afterward, run the pump continuously for several hours to ensure all old fluid is purged from the system and replaced with fresh fluid, allowing the pump to cycle properly.
Test the Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida System’s Integrity
Shut down the hydraulic system and let the fluid flow freely by opening the bypass or pressure relief valve. Operate the system with the valve open for one minute, then allow it to cool down.
Avoid leaving the pump under load for more than five minutes after closing the bypass. During this time, raise the relief valve to flush it. Afterward, turn off the pump and wait at least five minutes before continuing. Allowing downtime between each pump operation and relief valve inspection is important.
Activate the Automotive Lift Repair Tampa Florida Pump
Before turning on the pump, ensure the hydraulic system’s tank is at least a quarter full. Activating the pump will allow fluid to flow from the reservoir into the actuator lines. Manually trigger each actuator, allowing the fluid to drain back into the reservoir between uses. Continue this process until all actuators have been activated. Once finished, turn off the machine, checking the fluid level frequently and topping it off as needed to maintain at least half capacity.